I guess I would answer your question with a question. Why do you want to go to Monte Carlo? What do you expect to see? The main site to see is the palace and they will often have palace tours which are limited to a handfull of rooms (a lot depends on the schedule of the Prince). They also have a daily changing of the guard. There is also the casino which enforces a dress code (even during the daytime) for which you have to pay an admission charge just to see the inside (its also possible to gamble). You can easily get to Monte Carlo, on your own, via the train from Cannes which takes a little over an hour each way. This is the same train line that also runs throught Antibes, Nice and several other stops along the coast.

Hank- it's a Formula 1 (motor-racing)thing more than anything. I'd love to go down the circuit! Do you think we might have time to squeeze in Nice as well, or shall we stick to Monte Carlo and maybe Cannes if there's time for that?

I actually have this philosophy that you should generally go to your furthest point (from the ship) first, and than work your way back towards the port during the day. Why not take the train to Monte Carlo and see how it goes with time. Since its all on the same train line you could stop at Nice on the way back. Save Cannes for last since the city is all within walking distance of the tender pier, so you can walk around until its time to get the tender. As to the Grand Prix course, I am sure you know that its on the regular city streets. The course is very walkable and winds through the central part of the city right on the water. Unless you are there near race week, there is nothing to see that would give a hint they run a race on these streets. I have driven the streets, but with all the traffic I think I got my Peogeot rental car up to about 10 MPH

Thanks Hank- The GP for this season is over. I take it that we can use the same return ticket to get off at Nice that will be bringing us back from Monte Carlo to Nice. If the ship tenders into Cannes at 7am, what time do they start letting us get off? And how far is the Cannes train station from the pier. Thanks again!